Two people tragically lost their lives, and six others were injured in a shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City. The incident occurred Wednesday night as a memorial service was taking place at the church, which primarily serves the local Tongan community.
Of the six injured, three are in critical condition. Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills stated that while the condition of the other three victims is currently unknown, all are adults. The shooting happened outside the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse, and the police received the first call around 7:30 p.m.
After the shooting, the culprit or culprits fled the scene. As of late Wednesday night, no suspects were in custody. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and collecting evidence from the area.
Police Chief Brian Redd mentioned that they are treating the incident seriously but do not believe it was a targeted attack. Witness interviews are ongoing, and police are following all leads. “We are working until we bring these individuals to justice,” he said.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed her sorrow at a news conference, saying, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship or during a celebration of life.” Community leaders, including Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou, the CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources, stated this incident is a heavy blow to the community, especially since many were attending a memorial service.
Recent statistics indicate that Utah has a growing Pacific Islander population, with Tongan individuals making up the largest group. According to 2020 census data, there are around 60,000 Pacific Islanders in Utah, forming 1.6% of the state’s population.
As violence remains a pressing concern, organizations like Feltch-Malohifo’ou’s focus on crime prevention within the Polynesian community. “We still have much work to do,” she said, emphasizing that violence is never the answer.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges communities face, particularly in areas once thought safe. As the Salt Lake City community navigates the aftermath, there’s a collective hope for justice and healing.
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